Trees for Sunda Pangolins

About Sunda Pangolin

The Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) is a remarkable yet critically endangered mammal known for its distinctive armour of scales. Native to the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia, this species has existed for over 80 million years, making it a living fossil. ^[7]. Its name derives from the Malay word 'Penggulung', meaning 'roller', which describes its behaviour of curling into a scaly ball to protect its soft underbelly. ^[5] Nocturnal and solitary, Sunda Pangolins are typically found in forested habitats where they spend much of their time climbing trees to find ant nests and resting in hollows or under the shade of epiphytic plants during the day. ^[5] Often mistaken for a reptile due to presence of scales, pangolins are actually mammals. ^[6] Despite the 2017 global ban on the commercial trade of all eight pangolin species, the battle against poaching and habitat destruction continues. ^[3] The Sunda Pangolin faces severe threats. It is the most trafficked mammal in the world, making up nearly 20% of the illegal wildlife trade. ^[1] The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as critically endangered due to this relentless poaching and rapid habitat loss. ^[1]

Why Trees?

To effectively address these challenges, it is crucial to focus on creating and maintaining protected forest areas where pangolins can thrive. The "Trees for Pangolins" initiative, set in Lela Village, aims to tackle these issues by restoring peatlands, which are rich in organic matter and known for their significant carbon storage capabilities. ^[11]

By planting local tree species, the project aims to establish a dense canopy that offers essential cover, food, and breeding grounds for the Sunda Pangolin. Additionally, this effort will help reforest areas that have been severely impacted by frequent forest fires, often triggered by human activities such as land clearing for palm oil plantations. Between 1990 and 2015, Indonesia lost nearly 25 percent of its forests, primarily due to intentional burning to clear land for palm oil and timber plantations. ^[12] This deforestation had far-reaching consequences, not only for Indonesia but also for neighbouring countries, which suffered significant air quality deterioration. For example, Singapore experienced record levels of air pollution in June 2013 and September 2015, directly linked to Indonesian forest fires. ^[12] These fires not only destroy critical habitats but also release large amounts of carbon stored in the peatlands.

Forested habitats are vital for the survival of Sunda Pangolins. They require forest cover for shelter and access to food, with their average home range being approximately 1.58 km2, showing little variation across different factors. ^[2] Natural greenery, including that found in nature reserves and regenerating abandoned plantations, provides crucial habitats. Additionally, Sunda Pangolins are adept swimmers and can be found in wetland and peatland environments, provided there is adequate canopy cover. ^[5] Restoring these Peatland areas will support the pangolins' needs and help preserve their natural habitat.

Tree species:

Sunda Pangolins are adept climbers that rely on tree cover for shelter and access to ant nests, making a well-forested environment vital for their survival. In our project, we are planting a diverse range of tree species to enhance the pangolin habitat. These include Shorea balangaren (Kawi), Pometia pinnata (Matoa), Dyera polyphyla (Jelutung rawa), Alstonia pneumatophore (Pulai), Pithecellobium jiringa (Jengkol), Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Karamunting), etc.

Species like Shorea balangaren and Dyera polyphyla provide dense canopy cover, which is preferred by pangolins as it offers protection and shelter. Additionally, species such as Alstonia pneumatophore and Pithecellobium jiringa serve as host plants for ants and other insects, providing a crucial food source for pangolins. These trees will not only offer protection to the pangolins but also enrich and sustain their natural environment.

Social, Economic, and Ecological Impact

Social Impact: The "Trees for Pangolins" project will foster community involvement in conservation efforts, providing education on sustainable land management and creating eco-friendly job opportunities. Engaging local communities in reforestation and habitat preservation will enhance their understanding of environmental stewardship, promote local ownership of conservation efforts, and improve quality of life through better access to natural resources and ecosystem services.

Economic Impact: By restoring peatlands and forests, the project will create economic benefits through eco-tourism and sustainable land use practices. The expansion of forest cover can draw eco-tourists interested in wildlife and natural landscapes, providing income opportunities for local businesses and communities. Additionally, the project is expected to generate over 4,000 workdays through various plantation activities and produce income from the non-timber products as the plantations mature. Moreover, reducing forest fires will decrease the economic costs associated with fire management and rehabilitation efforts.

Ecological Impact: The ecological benefits of the project are substantial. The pangolins play a crucial role in their ecosystems by consuming up to 200,000 ants or termites daily, which helps control insect populations and aerate the soil. ^[4] Reforestation will help restore biodiversity by providing critical habitats for the Sunda Pangolin and other wildlife. It will also improve water regulation, reducing flood risks and enhancing water quality. Additionally, the restoration of peatlands will aid in carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change by storing large amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through fires and degradation. ^[5]

Overall, the "Trees for Pangolins" initiative represents a holistic approach to conservation, benefiting both the environment and local communities while addressing the urgent need to protect the Sunda Pangolin and its habitat.

References:

1. https://singaporepangolinwg.wordpress.com/sunda-pangolins/#:~:text=Due%20to%20their%20secretive%20lifestyles,with%20twins%20in%20rare%20cases
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-asia-pacific-biodiversity/vol/16/issue/3
3. https://www.cbsg.org/sites/cbsg.org/files/documents/Sunda%20Pangolin%20National%20Conservation%20Strategy%20and%20Action%20Plan%20%28LoRes%29.pdf
4. https://www.rekoforest.org/field-stories/wildlife-of-rer-sunda-pangolin/
5. https://www.worldlandtrust.org/species/mammals/sunda-pangolin/
6. https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/pangolin
7. https://www.fauna-flora.org/explained/pangolins-one-of-the-worlds-least-known-and-most-hunted-animals/#:~:text=Pangolins%20are%20one%20of%20the,abilities%20during%20its%20long%20history.
8. https://www.ifaw.org/international/journal/faq-pangolins
9. https://wildaid.org/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-pangolins/
10. https://davidshepherd.org/species/pangolins/trade-statement/
11. https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/peatlands-and-climate-change
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29558063/